News

GBTA convention digital identity frictionless travel
News / Technology
Could digital ID be the key to achieving a frictionless travel experience?
By Mitra Sorrells | August 19, 2019
Amadeus traveler ID innovation manager Laurent Conjat says digital identity is coming and will add efficiency and remove friction at every step of the traveler's journey. ... Read More
sounding off business travel
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: True innovation in business travel is more than cosmetic
By PhocusWire | August 16, 2019
The number of startups targeting the corporate travel market in recent years is interesting. It is a sector full of pain points and frustration for business travelers and those trying to manage their spend and safety in a consistent way.... Read More
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
News / Distribution
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
TUI is not ruling out further acquisitions in the tours and activities space as it looks to grow its holiday experiences division further.... Read More
BA-virtual-reality
News / Technology
British Airways boosts in-flight experience with virtual reality trial
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
The carrier is offering passengers on some flights in its first class cabin the chance to view films, documentaries and other programs in 2-D, 3-D and 360-degrees formats... Read More
RV sharing site PaulCamper raises €7M
News / Startups
European RV-sharing platform PaulCamper raises €7M for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2019
Berlin-based RV sharing site PaulCamper has raised €7 million in Series A funding.... Read More
sabre-farelogix-DOJ
News / Distribution
Sabre pushes to close Farelogix acquisition, awaits potential D.O.J. block
By Linda Fox | August 15, 2019
Sabre says it intends to close its acquisition of Farelogix by August 21 but will extend the agreement until the end of April to overcome regulatory hurdles.... Read More
Travelport BCD Hyatt blockchain hotel settlement
News / Technology
Travelport, BCD, Hyatt test blockchain for hotel commission settlement
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2019
Travelport, in partnership with BCD Travel and Hyatt, is developing a blockchain system for hotel commission settlement.... Read More
Research Spotlight: Are bots the future of brick and mortar?
News / Technology
Research Spotlight: Are bots the future of brick and mortar?
By Jill Menze | August 14, 2019
A new report from Phocuswright examines how several chatbot startups found a way to turn bot limitations into a feature rather than a bug.... Read More
Amex GBT acquires Middle East Kanoo Travel
News / Online
American Express GBT acquires stake in Middle East TMC
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2019
American Express Global Business Travel has taken a 65% stake in Kanoo Travel, a TMC focused on the Middle East.... Read More
VIDEO: Getting to One Order - is the airline industry there yet?
News / Technology
VIDEO: Getting to One Order - is the airline industry there yet?
By Jill Menze | August 13, 2019
At GBTA 2019, IATA's Yanik Hoyles and Travelport's Ian Heywood engaged in a spirited discussion on the status of IATA's One Order initiative.... Read More
OYO free travel insurance India
News / Online
OYO adds free insurance for direct bookings in India
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2019
OYO is now offering free insurance to guests that make a direct booking at one of its properties in India.... Read More
Business travel part 2 TMC innovation
News / Online
Business travel, part 2: TMCs focus on innovation to stay competitive
By Mitra Sorrells | August 12, 2019
For part two of our series on business travel we explore how some of the legacy TMCs are pursuing innovation.... Read More
wit mark okerstrom interview
News / Online
Mark Okerstrom on competitor moves, Expedia's strengths and what he's had to "unlearn"
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WebInTravel | August 12, 2019
In this wide-ranging interview, the Expedia Group boss opens up about where the travel company fits in an ever-evolving tech landscape.... Read More
Travel agents give thumbs-up to hiding vanity Instagram likes
News / Online
Travel agents give thumbs-up to hiding vanity Instagram likes
By Jamie Biesiada - Travel Weekly | August 12, 2019
Those subject to the test no longer see how many people have liked another person's post or how many have watched a video as they scroll through their Instagram feed.... Read More
Wyndham's RCI acquires Alliance Reservation Network for $92M
News / Online
Wyndham's RCI acquires Alliance Reservation Network for $92M
By Jill Menze | August 9, 2019
Vacation exchange network RCI has purchased travel technology platform Alliance Reservations Network to expand its reach beyond its core business.... Read More